Black Belt Negotiating: Become a Master Negotiator Using Powerful Lessons from the Martial Arts

Observing Your Range

In a martial arts tournament, you should watch not only your opponent’s physical actions and demeanor but how far apart you are. Range is the distance at which two fighters can contact each other. Until they reach this point, the contest has not really begun. Beyond this distance, you cannot score nor can you be scored against. Observing the range tells you the opportunities and dangers you are facing. Sensei Tabuchi says that there are three fighting ranges, which he calls circles:

Circle Three: This is the farthest fighting range, where our feet cannot touch, even when the legs are fully extended. This also means our fists can’t reach each other. Although this is the safe zone, you cannot score any points from here, either. ...